The exceptional heat retention and even heat distribution of an iron kadhai make it a favourite cooking utensil for achieving consistent cooking results and enhancing flavours. Moreover, it can provide a slight iron infusion to the cooked food, which can be beneficial for individuals with iron deficiency.
However, foods with high acidity or tanginess, such as tomatoes, can undergo reactions with the iron kadhai, altering their taste and appearance. Consequently, an iron kadhai may not be the most suitable choice for delicate dishes that require precise cooking temperatures, such as dairy-based recipes or dishes prone to sticking.
Despite these limitations, the enduring durability and cooking efficiency of an iron kadhai have established it as a popular and versatile option in Indian cuisine. Its ability to withstand high heat and retain heat evenly makes it well-suited for a wide range of cooking tasks, despite the potential drawbacks associated with certain types of foods.
Here is a list of foods one should not cook in an iron kadhai:
Video Credit: YouTube/ Zishta
1. Acidic Foods:
An iron kadhai should not be used to cook acidic items to prevent an unlikely chemical reaction. The profound acidic influence of the food may bind with iron and impair the taste of the food, leading to discolouration as well. As a result, the whole procedure of being in the water will probably lead to iron getting in touch with the food, which will change its texture and flavour. It is better to prepare food with acidic ingredients, like tomatoes, in non-reactive cookware like enamel or stainless steel to prevent them from leaching harmful metals into your meal.
2. Highly Spiced Dishes:
When highly spiced foods are cooked in an iron kadhai, the kadhai holds the flavours and the spiciness. Since iron is known to absorb and hold flavours, cooking food with a lot of spices in an iron kadhai may cause the iron to absorb and hold onto the strong flavours. This may cause other meals cooked in the kadhai to pick up an unwanted spice taste. For strongly spiced recipes, chefs and cooks prefer to use non-reactive cookware like copper or stainless steel to preserve the purity of flavours and prevent undesired taste modifications.
3. Vegetables:
In most cases, it's safe to cook vegetables in an iron kadhai. However, certain chemicals present in some vegetables, especially acidic ones like tomatoes, can react with iron, leading to discolouration or darkening of the food. This reaction alters the taste and flavour of the dish and may even result in a darker colour. To avoid these potential issues and preserve the colour, flavour, and texture of vegetables, it's advisable to use stainless steel or non-stick cookware instead of iron kadhai. These alternative cookware options prevent unwanted reactions and help maintain the quality of the vegetables during cooking.
4. Eggs And Dairy-Based Dishes:
It's generally not recommended to cook eggs or dairy-based items in an iron kadhai due to the potential for flavour transfer and unwanted reactions. Eggs and dairy products contain proteins that can interact with iron, altering their flavour and texture. Additionally, the acidic compounds present in these dishes, such as citrus juices or tomatoes, may react with the iron, resulting in a metallic taste. To preserve the natural flavours and qualities of eggs and dairy products, it's advisable to use non-reactive cookware, such as stainless steel or pans with enamel coatings. These alternatives help prevent undesirable interactions and maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
5. Delicate Fish and Seafood:
Cooking tender fish and seafood in an iron kadhai should be avoided due to several disadvantages. Iron has the potential to react with elements in food, particularly those rich in acids, altering the taste and texture of these delicate products. Additionally, iron can impart a metallic flavour to fish and seafood, which can be undesirable. To preserve the pleasing flavours and textures of fish and seafood, it's best to opt for pans made of stainless steel, ceramic, or non-stick materials. These alternatives minimise the risk of reactions between the ingredients and the pan, unlike iron pans.